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San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News

June 24, 2022

www.slofarmbureau.org

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Agricultural educators from all over California flocked to the California Agricultural Teacher's Association Conference hosted at Cal Poly this past week. Local educators Erin Gorter (Cal Poly) and Rosemary Cummings (Nipomo High School) pictured above celebrate this year's theme "All in". 

Source: Instagram, @queenba17


California  Farm Bureau Southern Region Field Representative Saul Rios, was also in attendance at the event's trade show sharing how Farm Bureau supports teachers and students. Check out the @cafarmbureau's Instagram post highlighting the event here.

'It Is Time To Sound The Alarm' - Farm, Business Groups Call for Action on Water Projects

California Farm Bureau's Ag Alert

By Kevin Hecteman, June 22


Agriculture and business groups are imploring Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Legislature to set clear goals for boosting water storage and supplies as the drought threatens to cripple California's food, energy and housing sectors.


"Our existing water system can no longer deliver the water necessary to sustain the world's fifth-largest economy," the California Farm Bureau and nearly two dozen farm and business groups wrote in a June 14 letter to the state's executive and legislative branches.


"California must establish a clear target to increase its surface water supply to meet current and future needs for human consumption and a growing economy," said the letter, whose signatories included California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson.


Danny Merkley, Farm Bureau's director of water resources, said Farm Bureau signed the letter because "it is time to sound the alarm."


"It has been seven-and-a-half years since the voters of California overwhelmingly passed Proposition 1 with $2.7 billion for the public-benefit portion of new water storage, and yet not $1 has yet to be spent on the construction of new storage," Merkley said. "If Newsom is sincere about California's water resilience, he will work with the Legislature to get funding out the door right now to upgrade our aging water infrastructure for today's 21st-century realities. We cannot conserve our way out of it."...

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This Week In SLO County Agriculture

In This Week's Issue:

  • Community: UCANR Seeking Small-Scale Farmers to Participate in Survey
  • County Government: Paso Groundwater Basin gets Revised Sustainability Plan
  • State Government: Farm Bureau at Work- Legislative & Government Affairs Report from Sacramento
  • Federal Government: U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Bayer Bid to Nix Roundup Weedkiller Suits
  • Business Member Spotlight: Vina Quest
  • USDA: Number of U.S. Farms Continues Slow Decline as Farm Size Slowly Rises; Overall Land Used Remains Constant
  • Ag Economics: More than 90% of Rural Bankers Expect Recession
  • Featured Member Benefit: AmeriGas
  • Avocado: Peruvian avocado exports to reach 515,000 tons this season
  • Environmental: Can Farms Produce to the Max and Still Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
  • Produce: California Strawberry Supplies Hit Peak Season
  • Labor: How the Push for Farmworker Housing is Hindered by Persistent Myths 
  • Wildfire: Pollution from California's 2020 Wildfires Likely Offset Decades of Air Quality Gains
  • Livestock: Biden Sides with Pork Industry in Fight over California Law Setting Standards for Animal Cages
  • Water: Ag Well Permitting Process Causing Confusion in Kern County

June 17 Most-Read

1. How to Control Ground Squirrels Workshop

2. These California Farmers Want You to Think About Coffee the Way You do Wine 

3. Superior Court denies hemp industry's petition to reexamine county rules 

4. UCCE Forage Production in San Luis Obispo County 2022 Report

5. USDA Agricultural Counts-Farm Labor Wages Report

6. Draft Regulations Regarding Prop 12

7. Grant funding of $470,000 now available to nonprofits serving San Luis Obispo County

8. Mission Produce looks south amid Mexican supply uncertainty 

9.  Smithfield Foods to shutter California meat-packing plant

10.  ‘Backroad Cowgirls’: Court and Kiah Take California

Executive Director Report

Here are a few things we worked on this week:

  • Sent a letter of support to Senator Bill Dodd regarding SB 856 and management of wild pigs;
  • Held a SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Committee member;
  • Met with Farm Bureau member Kim Wilenius of C&M Nursery and picked up a donation of avocado and citrus trees for Farm Bureau’s crop display at the California Mid-State Fair;
  • Participated in a SLO County Agricultural Liaison Advisory Board working group to draft comments on the proposed Paso Basin Land Use Planting Ordinance’s Draft Environmental Impact Report;
  • Hosted the SLO County Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Summer Kickoff Social;
  • Monitored a Shandon-San Juan Water District meeting;
  • Prepared for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Statewide Pesticide Use Workshops on June 27, 28, 29 (All Farm Bureau members encouraged to comment, email bburchett@slofarmbureau.org for talking points
  • Gave our weekly agriculture update on the Tom & Becky Show on KJUG 98.1 (Thursdays around 9:05am); and
  • Met with American Farm Bureau Federations Senior Director of Government Affairs Shelby Hagenauer.


Upcoming Events:

  • June 28 - SLO County Farm Bureau Board Meeting at 5pm (all members welcome, please RSVP)
  • July 21 - Cattlemen and Farmers Day at Mid-State Fair
  • July 30 - Junior Livestock Sale at Mid State Fair, volunteer opportunity from 9am-2pm

Community: UCANR Seeking Small-Scale Farmers to Participate in Survey

Calling all Small Scale Farmers in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties! 


Take this quick survey to let us know what matters to you and how our Small Farms Program can better serve you and your farm! You can access the survey by scanning the QR code, visiting ucanr.edu/p/75020, or clicking the Farm Survey link in the @ucceslosmallfarms Instagram bio. 


If you have any questions about this survey or to request a paper copy of this survey, feel free to contact the Small Farm Advisor Kirsten Pearsons at kapearsons@ucanr.edu or (805)788-9486. 


North County Farmers Market Is Hiring 

National anthem singers wanted for Mid-State Fair concerts

The California Mid-State Fair has announced that applications are being accepted for national anthem singers. Each year the California Mid-State Fair offers local singers the opportunity to sing the national anthem prior to the start of Chumash Grandstand Arena shows.

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2022 American Grown Field to Vase Dinner @ Ocean Breeze Farms in CA

Eventbrite - Certified American Grown presents 2022 American Grown Field to Vase Dinner @ Ocean Breeze Farms in CA - Saturday, August 6, 2022 at Ocean Breeze Farms, Arroyo Grande, CA. Find event and ticket information.

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County Government: Paso Groundwater Basin Gets Revised Sustainability Plan

Final Draft of Amended Paso Basin GSP 


The final draft amended Paso Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) has been compiled and uploaded to the County’s website, and a clean and redline version can be viewed here.


The County of San Luis Obispo will hold a public hearing on July 12, 2022, to consider adopting the amended GSP prior to submitting to the California Department of Water Resources by the regulatory deadline of July 20, 2022.

 

From San Luis Obispo County Groundwater Sustainability Director Blaine Reely

Paso groundwater basin gets revised sustainability plan

With $3.5 million in hand, the city of Paso Robles is moving forward with a water recycling project included in the as-yet unapproved plan to bring the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin into sustainability. "We're still moving forward with implementation of the plan," city Public Works Director Christopher Alakel told the Paso City Council on June 21.

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Feds float nuclear aid criteria changes to accommodate Diablo Canyon

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing a last-minute amendment to its guidelines for the $6 billion aid package that's aimed at saving struggling nuclear power plants-a change that specifically favors Diablo Canyon Power Plant.

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November election face-off could be in store for long-time San Luis Obispo County Supervisor | News Channel 3-12

The race for San Luis Obispo County Second District Supervisor is heating up as the latest election results show long-time incumbent Bruce Gibson dropping just below 50%, meaning that the fight to hold his seat could stretch through November if those results stick.

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State Government: Farm Bureau at Work- Legislative & Government Affairs Report from Sacramento

California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work - 

Legislative & Government Affairs Report from Sacramento


June 24 Highlights (Full Report Here)

Agricultural Employment

AB 2243 (Garcia) passed the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee on June 22 on a 3-0 vote; one committee member, Josh Newman, asked several questions during the hearing and ultimately abstained. AB 2243 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill directs Cal/OSHA to propose to the Standards Board for its consideration amendments to the Heat Illness Prevention Standard to implement a set super-high heat requirements when the temperature exceeds 105 degrees F, including hourly breaks and distribution of written heat illness prevention plans to employees, amend the Wildfire Smoke Standard to require use of N95 respirators when the AQI for PM 2.5 exceeds 300 and various other changes to both standards dealing with employee training and acclimatization. Farm Bureau opposes because such changes to regulations should be subject to the stakeholder process set forth by law where those seeking changes can petition the Standards Board


Pesticides

The Department of Pesticide Regulation will be hosting three workshops on June 27, 28 and 29th on the development of a statewide pesticide notification system. Below are live links to each workshop:

Four pilot projects are currently underway in Ventura, Riverside, Santa Cruz, and Stanislaus

counties. More information about the individual pilots and the state’s proposal can be found here.

Farm Bureau has distributed talking points to County Farm Bureaus for members interested in

participating.

Legislators, Newsom negotiating behind closed doors over energy deal

California's top-ranking legislators, under pressure from Gov. Gavin Newsom, are privately negotiating to include a far-reaching energy package in their budget deal that would give the state Energy Commission sole control over siting of clean-energy facilities. The effort aims to streamline approval of solar and wind projects, and deliver more electricity to California's aging grid while scaling back reliance on fossil fuels.

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California has billions to spend on gas-price relief - and no deal on help

Legislative leaders, who want to send the cash to lower-income residents, including those who don't own cars, are not budging either. The governor promised in an early March speech that he was taking "immediate action" to offer relief. In mid-June, as gas tops $6 a gallon - the highest in the nation - Californians are still waiting.

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Federal Government:  U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Bayer Bid to Nix Roundup Weedkiller Suits

California Farm Bureau Federal Policy News  

  • Senate Ag Committee Marks Up Livestock Bills
  • CAFB President Jamie Johansson Chairs Western WOTUS Roundtable
  • CAFB & Members Comment on SEC Climate Proposed Rule
  • Growers Disappointed Supreme Court Decides Not to Hear Glyphosate Case, AFBF Responds
  • CA Farm Bureau Urges Congress to Increase Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Funding
  • USDA Announces Conservation Program Flexibilities to Help Mitigate Global Food Supply Challenges
  • New Wildland Firefighter Workforce Pay Raises and Support Announced
  • USDA Seeks Proposals for Joint Chiefs' Landscape Restoration Partnership
  • Important Reminder: Respond to AFBF's Current Drought Survey Today!
  • Farm Service Agency Accepting Nominations for Local County Committees

Preparing for a New Farm Bill

One piece of legislation has had as profound an impact on America as thousands of other bills combined, yet very few people are familiar with it. I'm referring to the farm bill, which ensures a safe and abundant food supply, helps feed the hungry, invigorates rural communities and helps farmers take care of the environment.

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Waters of the U.S. rule needs clarity, farm groups say

California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson told leaders of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the pending "waters of the United States" rule, or WOTUS, must be clear and concise and contain exemptions for normal farming activities.

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U.S. Supreme Court rejects Bayer bid to nix Roundup weedkiller suits

WASHINGTON, June 21 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Bayer AG's (BAYGn.DE) bid to dismiss legal claims by customers who contend its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer as the German company seeks to avoid potentially billions of dollars in damages.

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Business Member Spotlight:

Vina Quest

A team of Viticulturists and Pest Control Advisors at Vina Quest provide the highest level of advice, data and support to our clients, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their vineyard's needs. Our attention to detail and quality control is primary, along with our long-term relationships with vintners and growers on the Central Coast. Vina Quest is a Paso Robles-based viticultural consulting company, which provides comprehensive services and solutions for vineyards, wineries and agribusinesses. Established in 1993, we work with vineyards in wine regions throughout California, assisting our grower clients in the:


• Development of effective pest, weed, and disease control programs.

• Organic, Sustainable and Biodynamic farming practices and regulatory agency compliance.

• Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certification

• Irrigation, Soil Fertility and Pest Management

• Tissue, Plant and Disease Sampling

• Powdery Mildew Spore Trapping

•Problem Investigation and Expert Witness

• Due Diligence Development Studies for Real Estate Acquisitions

Additional areas: Olives, Almonds and Commercial Development.

Facebook  Instagram

https://vinaquest.com/

PHONE: 1-805-226-0831

USDA: Number of U.S. Farms Continues Slow Decline as Farm Size Slowly Rises; Overall Land Used Remains Constant

Number of U.S. farms continues slow decline as farm size slowly rises; overall land used remains constant

After peaking at 6.8 million farms in 1935, the number of U.S. farms and ranches fell sharply through the early 1970s. Rapidly falling farm numbers in the mid-20th century reflect the growing productivity of agriculture and increased nonfarm employment opportunities. Since then, the number of U.S.

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Conservation Survey for Pollinator Week

If you own or manage California farmland, please take the Pollinator Partnership California Farm Conservation Survey TODAY to improve the quality of conservation programs for California farmers! Take the survey at: https://bit.ly/3zT4y3X

Ag Economics: More than 90% of Rural Bankers Expect Recession

Fertilizer Stockpiles Swell as Farmers Shun High Prices, Easing Harvest Worries


The fertilizer shortage that threw the agricultural sector into disarray and pushed food costs higher globally may be fading.



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More than 90% of Rural Bankers Expect Recession

Monthly survey finds negative impact from raging input costs, high expectations of recession.

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This farmer majorly slashed her debt 

In our experience, it is not unusual for some debts that have gone to collection to settle at a substantial discount. Debts can often be reduced because collection centers get a commission for closing the debt, even at a fairly low amount.

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Thank You Farm Bureau Members

New Members

Daryn Miller


Renewing Members

John Tompkins, Elliott Paulson, Robert Cummings, Larry Filipe, Martinez Orchards

Frances Garay,  Morris & Garritano Insurance, and  Vina Quest LLC

SLO County Farm Bureau Business Support Member List

Featured Member Benefit:

AmeriGas Propane

Farm Bureau members save $0.05 per gallon on propane deliveries, receive a complimentary service check and a No Run-Out Guarantee with automatic delivery. Additionally, members have access to:

  • 24 hour emergency services
  • Online bill pay options
  • $100 referral bonus for new customers
  • Order deliveries online


Visit AmeriGas online at www.amerigas.com for additional information.

Avocado: Peruvian avocado exports to reach 515,000 tons this season

Peruvian avocado exports to reach 515,000 tons this season

Peruvian Hass avocado exports should reach 515,000 tons this season, reflecting an increase of 6.6 percent compared to the 483,000 tons shipped the previous campaign, Juan Carlos Paredes Rosales, the president of the Association of Hass Avocado Producers of Peru (ProHass), told Agraria.

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Hass Avocado Board celebrates 20th anniversary

As strategic promotion is credited for being instrumental to growing demand for fresh Hass avocados, the Hass Avocado Board enters its 20th anniversary year by expanding the role and responsibilities of Gina Widjaja, director of marketing and communications.

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Environmental: Can Farms Produce to the Max and Still Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

California Pollinator Coalition Reports Increasing Cooperation Among Ag, Conservation Groups

Members note successful projects in celebration of National Pollinator Week June 20-26 A year after coming together to help make the agricultural landscape more friendly to pollinators, members of the California Pollinator Coalition say they're gaining momentum, building stronger relationships between agriculture and conservation groups that are already increasing habitat on the ground.

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Project diverting exhaust into orchard looks to improve farming efficiencies

Piping carbon dioxide into a greenhouse to increase crop yield is one thing, but venting it into an almond orchard in hopes of boosting production? That's the idea on about a third of an acre off Weedpatch Highway as part of a $100,000 commercial demonstration project aimed at improving ag efficiencies by applying the fundamentals of photosynthesis.

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Court rejects Trump-era EPA finding that weed killer safe

WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal appeals court on Friday rejected a Trump administration finding that the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup does not pose a serious health risk and is "not likely" to cause cancer in humans. The California-based 9th U.S.

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Opinion | Indoor Farming Is a 'No-Brainer.' Except for the Carbon Footprint.

Indoor farming has the potential to shake the very nature of agriculture down to its roots. But this innovation comes with higher upfront costs and a larger carbon footprint. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and berries are increasingly as likely to come from Canadian or American greenhouses as from fields in Florida or Mexico. 

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Can farms produce to the max and still reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

WASHINGTON - Decarbonizing agriculture is critical for the U.S. to reach net zero emissions by 2050. A new data-driven approach looks at practices that are good for the earth and profitable for farmers. The world relies on American farmers to do much more than set its tables.

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Produce: California Strawberry Supplies Hit Peak Season

California strawberry supplies hit peak season


Strawberries from California are at peak season volume levels with promotable prices.


“We are definitely in peak California strawberry season this month,” says Cindy Jewell of Jewell Marketing, whose client is berry grower Bobalu LLC.


“The great coastal weather in our Santa Maria fields brought on a longer and bigger peak than we expected. We have been ...

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Broccoli/cauliflower continue seeing strong demand from health-conscious consumers

Broccoli and cauliflower supplies are steady right now. "We are about the same as we were this time last year with great supplies," says Crystal Chavez of Gold Coast Packing of Santa Maria, California. Currently, both broccoli and cauliflower are coming out of Gold Coast's local growing region, the Santa Maria Valley.

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Labor: How the Push for Farmworker Housing is Hindered by Persistent Myths 

How the Push for Farmworker Housing is Hindered by Persistent Myths | Good Times

As I approach Ernestina Solorio's home in downtown Watsonville, I see a weathered, gray La-Z-Boy on a small porch, and a worn trampoline on the front lawn. There are some action figures and other small trinkets on the recliner, and a busted-up scooter next to it.

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H-2A numbers continue to rise

The government's H-2A program for contracting with agricultural workers from abroad continues to expand in the first two quarters of fiscal year 2022, reports Rural Migration News from the University of California at Davis.

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Ag Employment News

From California Farm Bureau’s Farm Employers Labor Service


SCOTUS Rebukes CA on PAGA Arbitration: 

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) preempts a California Supreme Court decision that employers may not enforce employee arbitration agreements covering certain claims brought under the Private Attorneys' General Act (PAGA). PAGA allows employees to stand in the place of the State of California and bring group legal actions against employers in the name of themselves and other employees. 


SCOTUS' decision came in the case Viking River Cruises, Inc. v. Moriana, where the court ruled that California may not enforce its rule from Iskanian v. CLS Transp. Los Angeles, LLC (2014) holding that "pre-dispute agreements to waive the right to bring 'representative' PAGA claims are invalid as a matter of public policy" because the Iskanian rule coerces parties to forgo arbitration.


You can read more from FELS Group Legal Services Program partner firm Barsamian & Moody here.


SCOTUS' decision in Viking River Cruises offers some much needed relief for employers from the scourge of PAGA actions where individual employees may win a few hundred dollars of relief from alleged unpaid wages while plantiffs' attorneys often pocket hundreds of thousand or millions of dollars in fees. 


Standards Board Rejects Petition for Self-Driving Ag Equipment at June Meeting: 

The Cal/OSHA Standards Board rejected a petition filed by Livermore-based Monarch Tractor to allow for the use of driver-optional tractors without a human operator stationed at the vehicular controls within a set of strict safety guidelines at it's June 16 meeting. The petition was originally expected to be considered at the Board’s May meeting but was delayed. If you are a FELS Newsletter subscriber, you can read more in May/June 2022 issue here. 

Upcoming FELS Webinars & Trainings

July 7, 2022, 10 AM: Employer Rights During a DOL Investigation: Do you know what to do if you find yourself the unlucky employer chosen for a Department of Labor (DOL) workplace inspection? Catherine Houlihan, Associate Attorney with FELS Group Legal Services Plan partner firm Barsamian & Moody will help you come up with a DOL inspection action plan. You can find more information and registration at FELS' webinars page.


Wildfire: Pollution from California's 2020 Wildfires Likely Offset Decades of Air Quality Gains

Congress wants to save California's giant sequoias from worsening wildfires. Here's the plan

California's fire-ravaged sequoia groves have left scientists and forest managers scrambling to ensure a future for the world's largest trees. Over the past two years, nearly a fifth of all giant sequoias, once considered virtually immune to wildfire, burned so badly they died. Fire experts fear more lethal blazes are imminent.

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Pollution from California's 2020 wildfires likely offset decades of air quality gains

It was a nightmare fire season that California won't soon forget. As more than 9,000 wildfires raged across the landscape, a canopy of smoke shrouded much of the state and drifted as far away as Boston. All told, more than 4.3 million acres would be incinerated and more than 30 people killed.

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Livestock: Biden Sides with Pork Industry in Fight over California Law Setting Standards for Animal Cages

Biden sides with pork industry in fight over California law setting standards for animal cages

The Biden administration has asked the Supreme Court to reinstate pork producers' lawsuit against a voter-approved California law that set minimum standards for cages used to hold breeding pigs, egg-laying hens and veal calves.

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Senate Ag OKs cattle price discovery, investigator bills

The Senate Agriculture Committee approved bills Wednesday authorizing USDA to mandate minimum levels of cash trading in cattle and establish a special investigator's office in USDA to probe allegations of unfair marketing practices. The committee approved both bills by voice vote. The Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2022 (S.

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NCBA rejects harmful cattle market mandate bills

PUBLISHED ON WASHINGTON - Today, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) once again voiced opposition to the Cattle Price Transparency Act of 2022 and the Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2022, which were marked up by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. "The U.S.

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Vineyard & Wine: USDA Amends California Grape Marketing Order

The Art and Science of Vineyard Grazing - American Vineyard Magazine

Co-hosted by the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) & UC Davis, this virtual workshop will be of interest to livestock producers and vineyard managers in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. In response to a continued and growing use of livestock grazing to support vegetation management in vineyards throughout California ...

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USDA amends California Grape Marketing Order

PUBLISHED ON WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is amending the California Grape Marketing Order to reduce membership of the California Desert Grape Administrative Committee from 12 to 10, allow six members to constitute a quorum, including, at a minimum, one producer member and one handler member, and require six concurring votes to pass any action of the committee.

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Mid-State Fair releases commercial competition results

The California Mid-State Fair has announced the winners of the 20th Annual Central Coast Wine Competition (CCWC), the 7th Annual California Craft Spirits Competition (CCSC), and the 9th Annual Central Coast Vinegar Competition (CCVC).


This year's CCWC included 95 wineries and 572 wines entered.

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Paso Robles Wine Country Auction

Jun 20 – 25, 2022 | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm


The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance invites you to take part in the 2nd Annual Paso Robles Wine Country Virtual Auction. The weeklong online auction will run from June 20 -25.


This is a rare opportunity for bidders to acquire distinctive, exceptional lots not offered elsewhere. The auction features packages that combine tasting excursions with luxury overnight stays, winemaker dinners at Paso’s finest restaurants, exciting vineyard tours, helicopter adventures, as well as rare and allocated wines


The proceeds will benefit the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Foundation, a 501c3 organization that gives back to the community to both local non-profits and educational scholarships for aspiring young adults from the Paso Robles region.

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The Atascadero Lakeside Wine Festival | Atascadero

Saturday, June 25 – 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Atascadero Lake Park


We're getting ready to go BIG this year for our 25th anniversary. Experience some of the best wineries, craft beer, food, and more in our amazing Central Coast community! Explore dozens of vendors, artists, while sampling the best the coast has to offer while rocking out to live music.

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Water: Ag Well Permitting Process Causing Confusion in Kern County

California adopting more aggressive water conservation rules; what to know

As California's relentless drought continues, state water regulators on Tuesday adopted new emergency water rules meant to ensure more aggressive conservation statewide. The State Water Resources Control Board voted on the emergency drought regulations in response to Gov. Gavin Newsom's March executive order.

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Skies Are Sucking More Water from the Land

Drought is typically thought of as a simple lack of rain and snow. But evaporative demand-a term describing the atmosphere's capacity to pull moisture from the ground- is also a major factor.


And the atmosphere over much of the U.S. has grown a lot thirstier over the past 40 years, a new study in the Journal of Hydrometeorology found.

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$26 million in water conservation grants go to western states stuck in drought

The Department of the Interior on Tuesday announced nearly $26 million in funds for water and energy efficiency grants in Western states. The grants, paid for under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will go toward conserving local water supplies amid the severe drought in the West.

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Ripple Impacts May Follow Decision on Water District Rates

The Court of Appeal, Second District, recently issued a decision in the long battle over the constitutionality of a water district charging lower fees for agricultural groundwater use than for municipal use. The court held that the higher municipal fees complied with the water district's enabling act but violated voter-approved constitutional amendments that prevent local governments from levying taxes under the guise of regulatory "fees."

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Ag well permitting process causing confusion in Kern County

Kern County hasn't issued a single agricultural well permit since early April and frustration in the ag community is at a boiling point. Ag well permitting slowed to a crawl up and down the San Joaquin Valley after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an emergency drought order March 28 that added an extra layer of scrutiny to new and refurbished ag wells.

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California's water supply goes beyond the current drought

After being repeatedly told to conserve, most Californians realize we have been in a drought for several years and that water supplies are running dangerously low as summer approaches.


What most Californians do not realize is that we are now in a full-fledged water supply crisis, and almost every aspect of daily lives, community health, and our state’s economy will continue ...

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Farm Bureau Membership Matters

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We cannot support your freedom to farm and ranch without your membership.


Join SLO County Farm Bureau now or renew your membership online. Go to slofarmbureau.org to join, or download the membership form PDF.


Have your renewal notice available to speed up the process; you will need to enter your membership number, name and ZIP code. Renewal dues may be paid online or over the phone by credit card.


We're here to help! Call us if you need us to lookup your member number or we can process your membership for you, at 805-543-3654.


All California county Farm Bureau memberships are processed through the California Farm Bureau Federation, but please reach out to our SLO County office if you need your membership number or have questions.

Join or Renew Your San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Membership

Thank You Platinum Members

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